Cessena 26,

I've just finished torturing myself over the same question. I ended up getting a Sig 4 Star 60 (the ARF kit was $160). I am putting a Saito 100 on the plane.

I'm flying an LT-40 right now as well as a Zagi.

I went with the Four Star after a lot of soul searching. I also seriously considered one of the 60 sized sticks. I went with the Four Star because I wanted to get some experience with low wing tail wheel. The wing still has some dihedral for stability (not as much as my trainer) and a light wing loading (again, not as light as my trainer but still manageable). I understand the Four Star will do some decent aerobatics, but will not bite you.

I have many friends at the field flying 60 Sticks of various sorts and one who is also enjoying the Great Planes mid-wing sport. They all seem pretty happy.

I think the question about where do you want to go with it is a good one. I'd like to do some IMAC when my skills allow and so low wing and tail wheel training were important to me. I liked the looks of the Four Star better than the sticks also. However, I nearly got a stick. It seems hard to go wrong for the price.

Good luck. Half the fun is weighing pros and cons of the next airplane.